Operator News

Brazil to clamp down on World Cup betting ads

By James Marrison - 29 June 2026

Brazil’s Finance Minister, Dario Durigan, has indicated that the federal government plans to tighten controls on sports betting advertising during the World Cup.

Speaking at a press conference held at the Brazilian embassy in Beijing, Durigan suggested that new rules could be introduced quickly. “There may even be a Provisional Measure for the second phase of the World Cup, already with these limitations,” he said.

He added that further action would be taken upon his return to Brazil. “I’m going back to Brazil, I discussed this with the team this morning, and I’m going to make this announcement further limiting and holding accountable those responsible for this type of practice,” he declared.

Durigan drew a comparison between sports betting and tobacco products, signalling that stricter public health-style messaging is on the way. According to him, betting advertisements will be required to carry warnings. “The Ministry of Finance here, in the case of betting, warns: betting is bad for your health and makes you lose money,” he stated.

Authorities have already contacted both Cazé TV and the betting operators that sponsor the platform, raising concerns about the volume of advertising shown during matches. “We will demand new obligations for betting companies and media outlets, including Cazé TV, to prevent advertising abuse during the World Cup,” he said.

Cazé TV, a major digital sports broadcaster in Brazil, is currently streaming all 104 matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup live and free via YouTube, attracting a large national audience.

Durigan also criticized previous administrations under Michel Temer and Jair Bolsonaro, arguing that they allowed sports betting to expand without adequate oversight. “They did nothing,” he stated.

He emphasized that the current government has taken enforcement steps, including shutting down tens of thousands of illegal platforms and identifying dozens of financial entities linked to unauthorized activities. “Last week we announced the freezing of funds in these financial institutions, with the support of the Ministry of Justice, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Central Bank,” he said.

The minister stressed that upcoming measures will prioritize the protection of minors exposed to gambling-related content. “The measures that will be taken are well-founded and based, in particular, on the protection of children and adolescents,” he declared.

When questioned about potentially reversing the legalization of gambling, Durigan expressed support for a highly restrictive framework. “I support very strict regulation, like that of cigarettes.”